"I think Michael will have a tremendous year," said Houllier after the game. "Physically he is stronger.
"I have been stunned by his physical commitment the last two or three games. He works extremely hard for the team.
"As a striker he drops back when he has to drop and he gets hold of the ball.
"He runs across defenders and he also runs off the ball. It looks as though he's getting there now with his strength and his pace.
"The first strike was a great effort, a piece of individual brilliance. I like it when strikers take the initiative in that area."
Owen was unlucky not to have scored a hat-trick witha several chances late in the game.
"Michael had two good chances earlier, but David James denied him and stopped him getting the match ball," added Houllier.